The Next Sports Biopic: R.A. Dickey

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The narrative of Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey is the kind of thing you think you'd have seen in films. Don't be surprised if it turns out that way. It's the story of a guy who won an Olympic medal in 1996 but lost a big contract after doctors said he "shouldn't be able to turn a doorknob without feeling pain." They discovered Dickey was missing a ligament in his right elbow, and the promising fireballer spent the better part of his twenties slogging through the minors.

Dickey endured childhood sexual abuse, years of self-doubt, and empty pockets as he tried to provide for his family. He's lost more games than he's won in six of his ten seasons as a journeyman with the Rangers, Mariners, Twins, and Mets, and had to switch to throwing knuckleballs late in his career just to stay employed.

Two years ago, Dickey was the first player cut by the Mets during spring training, which should have meant the end of his career. Instead, he ignored critics and his own body to return. He gained consistency, endeared himself to the fans, found his track, and this year, Dickey led the National League in strikeouts and innings pitched while becoming the third-oldest pitcher in history to record twenty wins for the first time in his career.

Now 38, he's won the Cy Young, an award typically reserved for rising superstars. Oh, and he also climbed Kilimanjaro and publicly faced his past demons in his memoir, appropriately titled Wherever I Wind Up. And reminded us, in the process, what a bit of persistence in adversity can look like — outside the movies.